Today Nike and US Soccer dropped the new USA World Cup kits which will be worn by the USMNT this winter in Qatar and next summer by the USWNT in Australia/New Zealand.
According to Nike, the 2022 USA collection is a sign of national pride that draws inspiration from the vast and historic sporting past of the United States. Bold stripes, an enlarged center crest similar to basketball jerseys, double Swooshes on the sleeves similar to those used on American football jerseys, the unique shoulder and sleeve cut-and-sew construction and pattern of a hockey jersey, and timeless block lettering are the iconic design cues of the United States uniform. Subtle elements, such as “States United” on the inner back of the jersey, provide depth to the concept of unity and togetherness, while the away kit’s ice-dying method creates a bright pattern to highlight variety and youth.
Nike claimed in a news release announcing the US kits that they were “inspired by feedback and conversations with players.” However, the three athletes who have commented on them — McKennie and Weah on Instagram, and midfielder Yunus Musah on a Zoom call last month — have suggested that USMNT players are underwhelmed.
Musah was asked about them and replied, “The uniforms are — yes, they’re the kits that they produced, you know.” I’m confident they’ll look excellent on us on the field.”
He grinned and flipped his thumb sideways when asked to rate them with a thumbs up or thumbs down. “In the center,” he explained. “In the center.”
The sentiment from fans online has been very similar to the players, with tons of “fan kit” concepts popping up all over social media. Only time will tell if these are embraced like designs in the past. Perhaps a deep run into the tournament will change public sentiment about them.
The World Cup kicks off on November 20 in Qatar. Next week, the United States and other countries will display their new uniforms in upcoming friendlies.
